How to pick a random number
- The wheel opens on 1 to 100. Tap a preset (1–6, 1–10, 1–20, 1–50, 1–100 or 1–1000) to change it in one go.
- For any other range, type the lowest and highest number into From and To and press Generate (up to 1,000 numbers).
- Spin. Switch to Elimination mode if a number should not come up twice.
Popular number ranges
- 1–10: quick games, rating things, choosing a turn order.
- 1–50 or 1–100: raffle tickets, classroom numbers, random page numbers.
- 1–75 or 1–90: bingo calling (use Elimination mode so each ball is drawn once).
- 0–9: build a random PIN or code one digit at a time.
Number wheel vs. random number generator
A plain random number generator shows a number instantly, which is fine for yourself but not very exciting for a room full of people. The spinning wheel adds suspense and transparency: everybody can see every number on the wheel and watch it land. Both use the same secure randomness, so the number wheel is just as fair.
Spin the wheel 1 to 100
One to a hundred is the most requested range, so it is what the wheel opens on: a hundred equal slices, ready to spin. The slices are thin at that size, so the winning number is always shown large in the result popup. On a projector, switch to full screen and the room can follow the pointer as it slows.
For a smaller spinner, tap the 1–10 preset: it gives ten wide slices that young children can read easily, and 1 to 6 stands in for a missing die.
Your odds for each range
Every number in the range has the same chance, which is simply 1 divided by how many numbers there are.
| Range | Numbers on the wheel | Chance of each |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 6 | 6 | 16.67% |
| 1 to 10 | 10 | 10% |
| 1 to 20 | 20 | 5% |
| 1 to 50 | 50 | 2% |
| 1 to 75 | 75 | 1.33% |
| 1 to 100 | 100 | 1% |
| 1 to 1,000 | 1,000 | 0.1% |
In Elimination mode the odds shift as numbers are removed: after ten draws from 1 to 100, each remaining number has a 1 in 90 chance.
A number roulette wheel
A European roulette wheel has 37 pockets, numbered 0 to 36. The American version adds a 00 pocket for 38. To build one for a party game, set the range to 0 to 36 and press Generate, then type 00 on a new line if you want the American layout.
It makes a good guessing game: everyone picks a number, or picks odd or even, before the spin. This is for fun only. The wheel has no betting and no real-money play.
Games to play with a number wheel
Bingo, higher or lower, times table practice and raffle draws all work with nothing more than a range. Our guide to 12 random number games has the rules for each, and dice probability explained covers when two dice are a better fit than a wheel.
Frequently asked questions
Is every number equally likely?
Yes. Each number gets one equal slice, so in a range of 1 to 100 every number has exactly a 1% chance on each spin.
How do I draw several numbers in a row?
Switch to Elimination mode and spin as many times as you need. Each number is removed once drawn, and the Results tab lists them in the order they came out.
How do I spin a wheel from 1 to 100?
Just press Spin: the wheel opens on 1 to 100. If you have changed it, tap the 1–100 preset to get it back. The result appears in a big popup.
Can the number wheel avoid repeats?
Yes. Switch to Elimination mode and each drawn number is removed from the wheel, which is perfect for bingo or raffle draws.
What is the largest range I can use?
The wheel can generate up to 1,000 numbers at once, for example 1–1000.
Can I use negative numbers?
Yes. Any whole-number range works, for example -10 to 10.